If you are like me, you are being driven crazy by a dog who chews and scratches her way to red paws and bare patches on her fur.  This is because she has allergies.  Many dogs have allergies.  There is a common misconception that certain foods cause allergies.  Usually, this is not true.  It is not the food, but food additives that cause dogs to be allergic.  Some vets recommend that you take away certain foods for a period of time to see if that ingredient is the problem.  That can be time consuming and maddening.  Holistic veterinarians recommend a homemade diet of 1/3 part meat, 1/3 grain, and 1/3 finely chopped vegetables.  If this is too much trouble for you, try to find a food that has very few artificial additives.  You can find these at holistic veterinarians or pet supply stores.

Dogs can also be allergic to some of the same things as people are, such as pollen and dust mites.  Vacuum your floors often, and clean your dog’s bedding weekly.  In addition, you can give your dog an antihistamine like Benadryl (1 to 3 milligrams for every pound of pet) and add a capsule of fish oil twice a day.  Fish oil contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that are beneficial for the coat.  

Some more holistic treatments are putting a little calendula oil on you dog’s paws to ease the raw skin there.  In addition, Echinacea, which can be found at your local health food store, can be added to water or simply given by dropperful once a day.  Echinacea is a natural immune system booster.  If your dog is simply chewing her feet to bits and pieces, you can put her in a cool water oatmeal bath.  Aveeno makes an oatmeal bath product that has been recommended.

You can add vitamin C to your dog’s diet.  If you pet is under 15 pounds she can get 250 milligrams a day.  If your dog weighs more, you can give her 500 to 1000 milligrams a day.  If your dog gets TOO much, she can get diarrhea, so just back off the dose until that goes away.  Vitamin C, like Echinacea, is an antioxidant and free radical scavenger.  Vitamin E is also good for the skin.  Commonly agreed upon dosages are:  for pets weighing less than 10 pounds 50 IU; for pets that are 10 to 40 pounds 200 IU; for pets over 40 pounds 400 IU.  It is best to give both of these vitamins with food to prevent stomach upset.  Vitamin E can increase blood pressure, so check with your vet if your dog has a problem with her blood pressure. 

Some tap water has chemicals that irritate your dog further.  Give your dog distilled water for 6 to 8 weeks to detoxify her, and then give them good filtered water.

If none of this works, see your veterinarian.  Your dog may have a serious problem that may need to be addressed.